Canada

Yes, the Canadian App Store Categories tab really is all-Skype, all the time and has been for me since just after iPhone 3.1 launched last Wednesday (and no, the irony isn't lost on us). Since App Store is fed by the web, I figured Apple would realize it and fix whatever feed needed fixing, but so far no such luck.

I tried TUAW's workaround -- switching to the US App Store an back, but iTunes intercepted me saying I couldn't change stores until I'd spent whatever iTunes credit I had left in my account, and my rentals expired (I don't currently have any rentals -- the only one expired last weekend).

So I'm back to hoping Apple realizes it and fixes it, but if anyone does come up with a repeatable user-end fix, do let all of us Canadians know in the comments.

Skype [free - iTunes link], which debuted for the rest of the world back in March, is finally available for iPhone and iPod touch users in Canada. What took so long?

A "territorial restriction" over the licensing of a single, solitary audio codec used to play sound from Skype on the iPhone. No, we [secret Canadian curse word] you not. That's it, and it's been resolved, so go get it!

Of course, it's still not good news all around, as SkypeIn remains locked out of Canada du

Rogers dropped us a note to let us know they've extended their 6GB/$30 data plan, first introduced last year with the iPhone 3G and re-introduced this year with the Android Dream and Magic, and the iPhone 3GS, until September 15. So, if you have a qualifying phone like the iPhone, and you want ungodly amounts of data usage -- and you haven't already -- make sure you add the 6GB/$30 promo to your plan ASAP. (Especially with free tethering still on until December 31, 2009).

Rolling inventory of the iPhone 3GS is on its way, and back orders are being filled for customers on a priority basis.

(And no, no official word yet on when Bell or Telus' HSPA network will be functionally rolled out, nor when they will begin offering the iPhone 3GS, but we can't help but think increased competition is great for consumers -- and for the networks, witness Rogers beginning to test 21Mbps HSPA+).

A Canadian buffet of Rogers news today, with Q2 financial results, an update on the current out-of-stock situation at Rogers, Fido, and Apple Canada, and the beginning of an HSPA+ super-fast 3G rollout.

First up, Bloomberg (via MDN) reports that Rogers that ARPU (average revenue per user) was down $1.47 as customers curbed long-distance and travel, while total sales rose 3.1%. As to the iPhone in particular, the introduction of the iPhone 3GS and $99 price point for the iPhone 3G helped Rogers add 148,000 subscribers this quarter.

BGR served up a rumor that Telus in Canada was getting the iPhone 3GS in October. How will a CDMA carrier get the GSM iPhone? Simple, as mentioned last year, Telus has partnered with Bell to expand their CDMA network by adding in HSPA. That means Bell Mobility could support the iPhone 3GS as well, and the rumor's TiPb's hearing is they just might (though exact timing will of course depend on how fast they get HSPA up and running).

Above, customers at the Montreal Apple Store wait for Rogers to get their systems working

Upgrading to an iPhone 3G S in Canada? We feel for you, and we fear we're going to continue to feel for you for a healthy portion of the day. Last year there were activation backlogs and hang-ups all over, but it was especially egregious in Canada, where people were waiting for half the day for Rogers' system to get up and happy and talking with Apple's system.

Yeah. Ouch. But that's what BGR's Canadian ninja are reporting. These are Best Buy inventory prices, but it's hard to imagine Rogers/Fido stores charging less what with the exchange rate and typically Canadian shipping overages added.

Any Canadians (besides me) lining up for an off-contract iPhone 3G S this Friday? Does the price change things? How about those of you getting the full subsidy? Happier now?